Your Questions about Contact Lenses, LASIK Surgery, and Eye Exams
At Vision Care Specialists, we understand that you may have questions about financing and the services we offer, from vision exams and contact lens fittings to treatments for eye conditions and LASIK Surgery. Each of our locations in Denver, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, and Lakewood are staffed with caring professionals who have the knowledge and experience to answer these questions to your satisfaction and help you make the choices that best fit your vision needs. The questions below are those most frequently asked by our patients, mainly concerning contact lenses and LASIK surgery. If your question isn’t answered here, contact us to ask or schedule an appointment.
What tests do you do in an eye exam?
There are four components to an eye exam.
- Case History: This includes medical history, family history, and discussion of any concerns or problems that the patient may want the doctor to address.
- Refraction: This is an analysis of one’s prescription for glasses.
- Health exam: This is a comprehensive look at the patient’s ocular health. Common ocular health issues include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other retinal issues.
- Summary and Plan: This is a discussion with the patient about the results of the testing and recommendations going forward.
I tried contact lenses a number of years ago and they didn't work out. Should I try again?
Maybe. Many things have changed in the last 5 years in contact lenses. There are new materials and new designs to address astigmatism, the need for bifocals, and to address dry eye. The care for contact lenses has also changed. Gone are the days of complicated care. Also, some patients see contact lenses as an “all or nothing” option. One day disposable contact lenses are a great option for patient wanting to occasionally not have to wear their glasses.
I have thought about LASIK surgery, but how do I know if I am a good candidate?
It all starts with a comprehensive eye exam by the doctor. It is imperative to have a careful study of the patient’s corneal anatomy. We will perform pachymetry (a corneal thickness test and corneal topography). We will also discuss and review with the patient their expectations, medical and ocular history, occupation, and potential risks of the procedure.
When I drive at night, why do I have problems with the lights of oncoming cars?
The lights of oncoming vehicles cause glare, which is a halo of light surrounding the car light. Bright lights and glare cause the pupils to dilate, making it more difficult to see details in the dark. Glasses with anti-reflective coating can eliminate much of the glare from these lights, making night driving more comfortable.
I am currently wearing bifocals. Can I adjust to the no-line bifocals?
Generally, Yes. Progressive lenses (no-line bifocals), have changed a great deal in the last several years and it is easier than ever to adjust to these new lens designs. However, there are certain patients and certain types of professions that are better suited for the more traditional bifocal. It is critical to have a proper bifocal fitting and design to have the greatest chances to succeed.
How often should I have my eyes checked?
It depends on the patient. As a general rule, the best time increment is annually. This is especially true with contact lens wearers, those over 40, and those with moderate prescription changes. Those patients with significant family history of glaucoma, retinal disease and diabetics should be seen at the very least annually.
What age should I bring my child in for an eye exam?
If you, as the parent, or your primary care doctor doesn't suspect any eye problems with your child, it is best to see children for their first comprehensive eye exam around the age of 5. If either parent has any family history of childhood eye conditions, if the child's birth was premature, or if you are unsure or concerned about how well your child is seeing, DOcall for an appointment to allow our highly qualified optometrists to fully evaluate and discuss any findings with you and your child.
There’s a history of macular degeneration in my family, how can I protect myself?
It is generally believed that there is a genetic component as well as an environment component to one’s risk of developing macular degeneration. We will discuss with the patient various lifestyle strategies to reduce one’s risk of the disease based on current research.
How long will it take for my glasses to be ready?
This depends on one’s prescription, lens design and treatments, and insurance plan. Some jobs will just take longer than others.
The optician will give each patient an estimated time before the work is started. It is important to us that each pair of glasses is made exactly as the doctor prescribed.
I can buy my contact lenses cheaper online. Can I have my contact lens prescription?
The patient can always get a copy of their contact lens prescription after the fitting and evaluation process is complete. Often times, patients are surprised that our contact lens pricing is very competitive with the popular contact lens websites. There are times where contact lenses will cost less, especially when insurance benefits and manufacturer rebates are factored in. We will be happy to provide replacement lenses if there are any problems with product as well as that “extra pair” to get one by until their next eye exam when you choose to purchase your annual supply with us!
What is the difference between an optometrist and ophthalmologist?
An optometrist specializes in routine vision care, prescribing glasses and contact lenses. Our optometrists have additional training to provide care for medical eye problems up to and including minor in-office surgical procedures (such as the insertion of punctal plugs for dryness). An ophthalmologist specializes in medical eye care and surgery. Ophthalmologists can be corneal, retinal, or neurological specialists. Our ophthalmologist, Dr. Gregory Kouyoumdjian is a corneal specialist who performs LASIK and cataract surgeries and also sees patients in our offices for medical eye concerns.
What can I do about my dry eyes?
There are several strategies to help patients cope with dry eyes. We first need to establish if it is a “quality” or “quantity” issue. The therapy is specific to the cause. Many medications as well as systemic diseases can contribute to dry eyes. Based on case history and examination, our doctors can come up with a treatment protocol to lessen the discomfort associated with dry eyes.
Do they make bifocal contact lenses?
Yes, there are currently several different bifocal designs available in soft and gas permeable contact lenses. Our optometrists are high skilled at evaluating your prescription, discussing your specific needs and taking into consideration your working conditions to offer the best options for multiple focusing requirements!
What options do I have for my glasses if I work on the computer?
Many people spend a great deal of their day working on a computer and often times patients try to make one pair of glasses work for all visual activities. There are times when a separate pair of glasses is more effective and more comfortable on a computer. This prescription could be a single vision lens, a bifocal lens, a progressive lens or a specific type of “office lens”. Our experienced and certified opticians can help you understand the wide variety of options available. Our best recommendation can be made after we explore and discuss your specific work set-up and evaluate your exact prescription to offer the best solution. In any case, an anti-glare coating is a must.
Why don’t insurance companies pay for the contact lens portion of the exam?
Many insurance companies consider contact lenses as a cosmetic option and therefore will not pay for testing and evaluation of contact lenses. Since there are additional tests as well as more time involved in seeing a contact lens wearer, there is an additional professional fee for contact lens wearers. The fee is dependent on the complexity of the case as well as the amount of time to successfully fit the patient. Some insurances offer benefits that cover materials including contact lenses. We make every effort to help you understand what your insurance will and will not cover to maximize your benefits. There are rebate programs throughout the year with various contact lens manufacturers. We can provide duplicate receipts after your exam so you may take full advantage of these!
The Staff at Vision Care Specialists is Eager to Answer Your Questions
Whether you have questions about LASIK eye surgery or want to learn more about contact lenses, our staff and doctors are available in the Denver area, including Aurora, Highlands Ranch, Downtown and Lakewood. There’s no better time to learn more about our vision services! Contact us to schedule an appointment for an eye exam or consultation for a specific treatment.
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The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Vision Care Specialists is eager to provide premium eye care whether you seek LASIK refractive surgery, an updated contact lens prescription, or treatment for an eye condition. Conveniently located in downtown Denver, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, and Lakewood, you can schedule an appointment to see an optometrist at a Vision Care Specialists office near you!
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